Retired Soldiers Barricade Finance Ministry Over Unpaid Benefits

August 4, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

In a tense protest that disrupted activities in the nation’s capital, a group of retired military personnel on Monday barricaded the entrance of the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, demanding the payment of their long-overdue entitlements.

The ex-servicemen, comprising retirees from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, converged as early as 7:00 a.m. and blocked access to the ministry’s premises, preventing staff and visitors from gaining entry.

The aggrieved veterans cited non-payment of their pensions, gratuities, and other accrued benefits—some of which they claim have been delayed for years. Armed with placards bearing inscriptions such as “Pay Our Benefits Now” and “We Served Nigeria with Honour,” the protesters insisted that the federal government had repeatedly failed to honour its promises.

Spokesperson for the group, retired Warrant Officer Musa Ibrahim, said the demonstration was a last resort after multiple letters and meetings with relevant government agencies yielded no results.

He stressed that many of his colleagues are living in poverty and battling health issues due to financial neglect. “We are not asking for charity; we are asking for what we earned by serving this country,” he stated.

The situation caused a significant traffic buildup in the Central Area of Abuja, prompting the presence of security operatives to maintain order and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

As of press time, officials of the Finance Ministry had yet to issue an official statement, but sources say a meeting may be convened to address the retirees’ grievances.

The protest highlights growing frustration among retired security personnel over delayed entitlements, raising questions about the nation’s commitment to the welfare of those who served in defence of its sovereignty.